ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the policies for the recovery and reconstruction of heritage threatened by disasters originating from natural hazards and understood in the broader territorial context. It gives attention to the traditional relationship between culture and economy in the history of communities, as well as to the interdependence of culture and its environmental context. The modern conservation philosophy has gradually evolved as documented in international doctrine since the two World Wars. This also forms the policy framework for decisions regarding recovery and reconstruction, for which international charters and recommendations provide general guidance. However, due to the diversity of cultural heritage, each case needs to be assessed in reference to the components that contribute to its integrity and authenticity, understanding its cultural and environmental setting and context. In the case of reconstruction in archaeological sites, the principal value is original testimony. Therefore, any reconstruction needs to be based on documented evidence and, when feasible, using the method of anastylosis. Dealing with historic urban areas is more complex since it is necessary to examine the relevant territory in its integrity as a basis for strategies of recovery. The methodology of integrated urban conservation is an essential tool for the management and sustainable development of the territory under consideration. In the case of the natural environment, it is important to understand and recover natural ecosystems damaged by deforestation, wildfires, landslides or floods as well as pollution. Similar approaches can be extended to cultural landscapes based on cultural ecology and relevant ecosystems.
